Decorated hair pieces and method for decorating hair pieces

ABSTRACT

A textile, such as a hairpiece, includes a plurality of fiber single-ply threads. The plurality of fiber single-ply threads are grouped such that designs may be created on desired portions of the plurality of fiber single-ply threads, such as a decolorized portion. The textile includes a fixed part to hold the fiber single-ply threads. A variety of techniques may be used to create a design on the plurality of fiber single-ply threads with precision. For example, various dispersion dyes on transcription paper could be applied to a surface of the single-ply threads with a heat pressing process. The textile, exhibiting designs on a plurality of fiber single-ply threads, is also configured to be attached or adorned.

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No.10-2005-0114800, filed on Nov. 29, 2005, which is hereby incorporated byreference for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Disclosure

The disclosure relates to decorated textiles that include decorations ordesigns formed or created on a plurality of fibers or threads, which mayinclude hair attachments, extensions, and pieces.

2. Background

Individuals often dye their natural hair fibers for a variety of reasonsor occasions. However, it is often difficult to create precise designson natural hair fibers, as the designs have a tendency to smudge orstreak as the dye is being applied. Although heat may be applied toprevent dye dispersion, the individual may not want their natural hairstrands, which are composed of substances such as proteins, to becomedamaged from the process.

Further, individuals may be reluctant to frequently change designs ordecorations on their natural hair strands because such actions arerelatively costly and high maintenance. Also, these individuals may bereluctant to develop any further damage to their natural hair strands.

Accordingly, there is a need for a hairpiece and a method of decoratinga hairpiece to include, for example, designs formed on the plurality offibers that would overcome one or more of the problems described above.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates to hair pieces and methods of decoratinghair pieces that provide designs that do not smudge or streak, and maybe distinctly and precisely formed over a plurality of fiber single-plythreads. The hairpiece may be attached, adorned, and/or worn on the hairor elsewhere, as desired.

By using a hairpiece, the actual hair or element to which the hairpieceis attached does not have to be dyed or enhanced, thereby preventing theactual hair or element from being damaged by the hair design creatingprocess.

Furthermore, a hair design may be added, changed, and/or removedfrequently without causing damage to the hair or element that it isattached. Also, adding, updating, changing, and/or removing a designdoes not require that the entire time-consuming process of designcreation and/or removal be carried out. Rather, it involves at least oneof attaching, detaching, connecting, and securing the hairpiece toanother element or set of elements, such as an individual's natural hairfibers. By using a decorated hairpiece, as disclosed herein, the timeconsuming process of adding a design to an individual's own natural hairstrands is avoided, as the hairpiece provides a quick and easyalternative.

To achieve these and other advantages, as embodied and broadlydescribed, a textile includes a plurality of fiber single-ply threads. Aplurality of fiber single-ply threads may be selected followed by anappropriate and effective design technique. Alternatively, a desireddesign technique(s) may be selected followed by the selection of aplurality of fiber single-ply threads comprising a material that issuitable for the desired design technique(s). For example, the fibersingle-ply threads for a printing technique may include polyestersingle-ply, acrylic, single-ply or nylon threads having a thickness in arange 50 to 150 micrometers. In other words, the selection of materialsand design techniques for the decorated textile, such as a hairpiece,often takes into account the desired result.

The fiber single-ply threads may be arranged such that at least onesurface may accommodate a design technique or application. To achieve aparticular look or effect, the arrangement of single-ply threads mayinclude selected decolored portions, a plurality of decolored fibersingle-ply threads, or any combination thereof.

The plurality of fiber single-ply threads includes a fixing section thatholds the arrangement of fiber single-ply threads. The fixing sectionincludes portions of the fiber single-ply threads that may be sewn andfolded. The folded portions may include more elaborate and extensiveneedlework. Optionally, the fixing section may be coated with anadhesive.

A myriad of designs may be conveyed to at least one surface of the fibersingle-ply threads. The design(s) may include various colors, patterns,and artistic creations.

For example, the fiber single-ply threads may include a printed designformed of dispersion dyes. A heat pressing technique using transcriptionpaper may be utilized to create a print design on the plurality of fibersingle-ply threads. Design techniques involving transcription paper donot require that each color be applied one at a time. Rather, amultitude of colors may be transferred to the medium at the same time.

Also, any type of design, whether elaborate or simple, may betransferred to a plurality of fiber single-ply threads by the sameheat-pressing process with relative ease.

Additional features and advantages of the disclosure may be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and in part may be apparent fromthe description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Certainobjectives and advantages of the invention may be realized and may beattained by the structures and processes described in the writtendescription, in the claims, and in the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings provide a further understanding of thedisclosure incorporated herein, constitute a part of this specification,and illustrate various embodiments of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is an exemplary and non-limiting illustration of a hairpiece inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exemplary and non-limiting illustration of a frontperspective view of a hairpiece including an attaching member inaccordance with another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary and non-limiting illustration of a rearperspective view of the hairpiece illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are exemplary and non-limiting illustrations ofdesigns formed on a design producing medium such as transcription paper,which may be applied to a front side and a rear side of a fibersingle-ply thread group in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is an exemplary and non-limiting illustration of a method ofcreating a decorated fiber single ply thread group in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is an exemplary and non-limiting illustration of a method ofdecorating a fiber single ply thread group in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings.

FIG. 1 is an exemplary and non-limiting illustration of a hairpieceincluding single-ply threads on which designs are printed.

As shown in FIG. 1, the hairpiece (100) includes a plurality of fibersingle-ply threads (105). The fiber single-ply threads may vary inthickness. For example, the fiber single-ply threads may comprise athickness similar to that of natural hair fibers, which may be in arange between 50 to 150 micrometers.

Various sizes and lengths may be selected for the hairpiece. Forexample, the hairpiece (100) may comprise a length between 10 cm and 20cm. In fact, the hairpiece (100) may be any size. For instance, thehairpiece (100) may be sized in accordance with desired designs (135)and/or the intended use of the hairpiece. In other words, the hairpiecemay include any desired length, width, and/or shape.

The fiber single-ply threads (105) may include polyester single-ply,acrylic single-ply, nylon, or any other suitable material. Fibersingle-ply threads (105) using or including polyester single-ply may bedesirable because they are more tolerant to heat, thereby being moreresistant to damage.

The front surface of the hairpiece (100) as shown in FIG. 1, includes aTaeGuk design, which is a circle divided into two parts, and polka dots.Designs, such as various images and patterns may be included on morethan one side of the hairpiece. Specifically, the designs may beincluded in any desired location to achieve a desired look, image, oreffect. The hairpiece may include designs of a single color or aplurality of colors. Further, these colors may be mixed, enhanced, oramplified by any suitable means.

For example, the coloring of fiber single-ply threads (105) may beenhanced by performing a decoloring or bleaching process (403) prior tocoloring, designing, or printing on a portion of the hairpiece. Afterperforming a decoloring or bleaching process, the single-ply threadswill lack their original color. In most instances, the decolored orbleached portions of the single-ply threads will appear white.

Designs on the hairpiece may be enhanced by including more than onedesign as shown in FIG. 1, which illustrates the hairpiece that includesboth a background design, such as the polka dots and a foregrounddesign, such as the TaeGuk. By creatively implementing varioustechniques and options, the hairpiece may achieve a desired look oreffect, which may include elaborate designs or creations.

The fiber single-ply threads (105) are configured to be grouped orattached such that they collectively act like a canvas, thereby allowingelaborate designs to be created even though the threads may havesubstantial portions that are not attached or connected to each other.

The fiber single-ply threads of the printed hairpiece (100) may be heldtogether in a number of different ways. For example, the printedhairpiece may include a fixing section (110). The fixing section (110)may be included or formed on a portion of the fiber single-ply threads,such as an area substantially near an end or at the end. The fixingsection (110) of the hairpiece (100) allows the fiber single-ply threads(105) to be fixed firmly in place. The fixing section (110) mayfacilitate the process of printing designs on a hairpiece by keepingeach fiber in its proper place.

The fixing section (110) may include sewn portions on the plurality offiber single-ply threads (105). The sewn portion may be formed, forexample, by a sewing machine. The sewn portion may be formed or createdtransverse or substantially perpendicular to a vertical length of thefiber single-ply threads (105). A sewn portion could also be positionedhalfway along the length of the fiber single-ply threads (105). In fact,the sewn portion may be formed at any part of the fiber single-plythreads (105) in order to achieve a desired result.

The single-ply threads may be folded at the sewed line. The sewingmachine may perform the sewing at the folded section. The sewing isperformed such that the fixing section (110) is firm and the fibersingle-ply threads (105) are aligned and uniform. To reinforce thefixing section (110), the sewing process may be performed multipletimes. Also, a three head-sewing machine may be used to sew the sewingportions.

An example of a sewing process for a three head-sewing machine mayinclude sewing at a length of “X/2” for strands having a length of “X”with the first sewing head. Next, the strands are then folded in halfand sewed by the second sewing head at the sewn line. The strands arethen sewn by the third sewing head so that the strands are firmly fixed.

Additionally or alternatively, a fixing section (110) may be formedand/or reinforced by adhesives. For example, adhesives may be spread onportions of the sewn section. Also, the fixing section may contain anadhesion coating layer formed on or around the fixing section.

The hairpiece (100) may include a group of 700 or 800 fiber single-plythreads per a width of at least 1 cm. If the number of fiber single-plythreads (105) in the group is less than 700 threads per 1 cm, thecontinuity of the design formations (135) may be affected such that thedesigns may appear smudged, distorted, or incomplete. If the number offiber single-ply threads in the group is greater than 800 threads per 1cm width, the transcribed dispersion dyes that form the designs (135) onthe fiber single-ply threads (105) may be insufficient to form a cleanimage. Accordingly, under these conditions substantially outside thespecified range, the image may appear distorted.

In the non-limiting example illustrated in FIG. 1, the fixing section(110) includes stitches (112). Optionally, cross-stitches may also beadded. Each stitch (112) contains between 80 and 100 fiber single-plythreads (105). However, any number of threads, which would be suitablefor a stitch, could be used.

FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 illustrate non-limiting examples of a hairpiece thatincludes an accessory (205) and a connecting part (207) in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention.

In this non-limiting example, the connecting part (207) is configured toattach or connect the hairpiece, for example, to actual hair. However,the connecting part (207) may be configured to attach or connect to anydesired element or material and at any desired location.

The accessory (205) is attached or connected to at least a portion ofthe fiber single-ply threads. For example, the accessory (205) may beconnected to a fixing section.

Various methods and processes may be used to connect or attach the fibersingle-ply threads to the accessory (205) and/or connecting part (207).For example, adhesives may be included and/or applied between the fixingsection of the fiber single-ply thread group (150) and at least aportion of the accessory (205) and/or connecting part (207).

As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the design patterns (152, 154) aremirror images of each other. A surface of the fiber single-ply threadgroup (150) is substantially discontinuous at least since the groupincludes a plurality of fiber single-ply threads. Regardless, the designpatterns (152, 154) may be formed such that they appear to besubstantially continuous. To achieve this continuous appearance, thedesigns may be formed on the surface of the fiber single-ply threadgroup (150) as described below.

More specifically, various designs and techniques may be used todecorate, supplement, and/or enhance the fiber single-ply thread group.For example, designs on the fiber single-ply thread group (150) may becreated using transcription paper.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b are non-limiting examples of designs or patterns (312,322) provided on transcription paper (310, 320), which may be applied inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIGS. 4 a and 4 b, the transcription paper (310, 320) includes designsand patterns that are applied to front and rear surfaces of the fibersingle-ply thread group of the hairpiece.

The design patterns (312, 322) are mirror images of each other as shownin FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. However, these designs do not have to be mirrorimages or the same design if a different design pattern is desired forthe front and rear surface of the fiber single-ply threads group.

The transcription paper (310, 320) may comprise separate and distinctpieces that are placed at front and rear surfaces of the fibersingle-ply threads group, as shown in FIGS. 4 a and 4 b. Alternatively,the transcription paper may be folded and heat pressed with thehairpiece positioned between the two inner surfaces of the foldedtranscription paper.

The transcription paper (310, 320) contains dispersion dyes of a thinfilm on a surface of the transcription paper (310, 320). The dispersiondyes form designs and/or patterns of a single color or various colors.According to one embodiment, the dispersion dyes have properties suchthat dye dispersed on one side of the fiber single-ply threads groupdoes not seep through towards the other side of the fiber single-plythreads group. The transcription paper (310, 320) may include and may beconfigured to include any type of dispersion dye or any type of coloringagent that would work effectively with the transcription paper.

For example, the transcription paper may include azo based dyes and/oranthraquinone based dyes. Azo based dyes and/or anthraquinone based dyesare typically incorporated in the transcription paper as the material,which is to be transcribed or copied during the printing process. As anexample, azo based compounds may have a molecular formula of the formR-N=N-R′, in which R and R′ can be either aromatic or aliphatic. The N=Ngroup is generally referred to as an azo or a diimide functional group.Aromatic azo compounds (R=R′=aromatic) are generally stable.Anthraquinone (9,10-dioxoanthracene) is an aromatic organic compound anda derivative of anthracene. Typically, anthraquinone is used inproduction of dyes.

To print an image, the plurality of fiber single-ply threads arearranged in the manner that would produce the desired printing results,irrespective of the number of surfaces of the plurality of single-plythreads that are being printed. To print the front and rear surfaces ofthe fiber thread group, the plurality of fiber single-ply threads arepositioned on or underneath at least one surface of transcription papersuch that the design will transfer to the fiber single-ply threads atthe desired locations. Also, to print on the front and rear surfaces,the printing may occur one surface at a time or simultaneously onmultiple surfaces. Optionally, the plurality of single-ply threads maybe arranged on or underneath a surface of transcription paper ifprinting is intended for a single surface of the plurality of single-plythreads group. Prior to printing, transcription paper may be positionedsuch that it is in contact with at least one surface of the plurality offiber single-ply threads.

Additional temporary securing devices may be used to hold or ensureproper placement and alignment of each of the plurality of fibersingle-ply threads. These optional temporary securing devices may beused to ensure that none of the plurality of fiber single-ply threadsmove out of position.

A heat pressing process allows design patterns (312, 322) to betranscribed on and/or transferred to at least one side of the fibersingle-ply thread group. When sufficient heat is applied to thetranscription paper, design patterns are transcribed from thetranscription paper to a surface of the fiber single-ply threads groupand dye is sublimated to the surface of the fiber single-ply threadsgroup. Specifically, the dye is sublimated to the threads of the fibersingle-ply threads group at portions that the dye contacts.

Selecting a sufficient temperature for the process of heat pressing mayinclude considering the properties of the fiber single-ply threads anddetermining a particular temperature or range of temperatures that wouldallow the dispersion dye to be transferred from the transcription paperto the fiber single-ply threads without causing any damage or defects.For example; if the fiber single-ply threads include polyester, then asufficient temperature for the heat pressing process may be within arange of approximately 220° C. to 240° C. However, in this case, if thetemperature of the process is substantially less than 220° C. duringheat press, the dispersion dyes may not sufficiently disperse onto thefiber single-ply threads group. Also, in this case, if the temperatureof the process is substantially greater than 240° C., the fibersingle-ply threads may warp and/or change shape and/or may be damaged bythe relatively high temperature. Accordingly, for the heat pressingprocess, temperatures in a range of 225° C. to 230° C. may be preferredfor fiber single-ply threads that include polyester.

The heat pressing process typically lasts between 3 and 4 minutes. Afterthe heat pressing process, the plurality of fiber single-ply threads mayundergo a conditioner treatment process that includes applyingconditioner to the fiber single-ply threads. Also, if desired, theplurality of single-ply thread group may undergo an anti-statictreatment process, which may include applying an antistatic coating tothe fiber single-ply threads in order to prevent electric discharge orthe accumulation of electric charge. In addition, the fiber single-plythreads may be styled (513).

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate hair pieces that have undergone a straighteningprocess in which heat was applied to style the hairpiece. However, anumber of different styles and styling techniques may be applied to theplurality of fiber single-ply threads. Examples of styles and stylingtechniques that may be applied to the plurality of fiber single-plythreads include at least curling, braiding, crimping, twisting,layering, and cutting, as well as other enhancing techniques. Further,the conditioning treatment process, the anti-static treatment process,and the styling can be performed in any order.

In addition, FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating one exemplary method ofcreating a hairpiece with designs formed on the plurality of single-plythreads. In step 401, the method includes selecting a plurality of fibersingle-ply threads, which are appropriate and suitable. Step 401proceeds to step 403, which includes optionally performing a decoloringprocess on at least a portion of the plurality of fiber single-plythreads. In step 405, the plurality of fiber single-ply threads aregrouped such that approximately 700 to 800 fiber single-ply threadscomprise a width of 1 cm. The method further includes securing theplurality of fiber single-ply threads by creating a fixing portion onthe plurality of single-ply threads, as shown in step 407. In step 409,designs are created on the plurality of single-ply threads. If desired,the process may proceed to step 411, which includes applying adhesivesto the fixing portion. The process may also proceed, if desired, to step413, which includes attaching an accessory and/or connecting part to thefixing portion.

In the exemplary method illustrated in FIG. 5, the ordering of some ofthe steps may be modified. For example, the order of steps 509, 511, and513 may be modified or rearranged in accordance with the desiredhairpiece design.

FIG. 6 further illustrates one exemplary method that could beimplemented in step 409 during the process of creating designs on aplurality of fiber single-ply threads. For example, the design creationprocess may include arranging the plurality of fiber single-ply threadsfor printing, as shown in step 501. The method may also proceed to step503, which includes positioning transcription paper on at least onesurface of the plurality of fiber single-ply threads. In step 505, aheat pressing process is performed. Step 507 includes determining if thedesign is complete.

If it is determined that the design is not complete (NO), then theprocess may proceed back to at least step (503) to ensure thattranscription paper is positioned on at least one surface of theplurality of fiber single-ply threads. Also, a heat pressing process(505) may be carried out again, if necessary.

If it is determined that the design is complete (Yes), then the methodprogresses to steps 509, 511, and 513 if the results obtained from thesesteps are desired. Step 509 includes performing a conditioning treatmentprocess. Step 511 includes performing an anti-static treatment process.Step 513 includes styling the plurality of fiber single-ply threads.Styling may include straightening, braiding, curling, and any othertechnique or combination of techniques.

Although the hairpiece in this disclosure includes a heat pressingprocess and the transfer of design patterns on the fiber single-plythreads via dispersion dyes, the present invention is not limited tothese materials or processes.

It should also be appreciated that any suitable materials or processes,such as stencils or printing plates, may be used to create a design on asurface of the plurality of fiber single-ply threads.

It will be appreciated that various unforeseen or unanticipatedfeatures, modifications, variations, improvements, alternatives or anycombination thereof may be made by those skilled in the art, and arealso intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

1. A hairpiece comprising: a plurality of fiber single-ply threads; anda fixing section holding groupings of the plurality of fiber single-plythreads, the plurality of single ply-threads being grouped such thatdesigns are captured on selected portions of the single ply-threads;wherein the plurality of single-ply threads include a design on at leastone surface of the plurality of single-ply threads.
 2. The hairpieceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a connecting part that attachesand detaches the hairpiece to an entity.
 3. The hairpiece according toclaim 1, wherein each of the fiber single-ply threads comprise athickness in a range from 5 to 150 micrometers.
 4. The hairpieceaccording to claim 1, wherein the fiber single-ply threads comprise atleast one of polyester, acrylic, and nylon.
 5. The hairpiece accordingto claim 1, wherein the design is a printed design that includes a atleast one of a plurality of colors and patterns.
 6. The hairpieceaccording to claim 1, wherein the design comprises a layer containingdispersion dyes.
 7. The hairpiece according to claim 6, wherein thedispersion dyes include azo-based or anthraquinone-based dyes.
 8. Thehairpiece according to claim 1, wherein the fixing section includes afolded section of fiber single-ply threads.
 9. The hairpiece accordingto claim 1, further comprising an adhesion coating layer on a portion ofthe fixing section.
 10. The hairpiece according to claim 1, wherein thefiber single-ply threads include more than two sewn portions.
 11. Thehairpiece according to claim 10, wherein approximately 80 to 100 fibersingle-ply threads are sewn together.
 12. The hairpiece according toclaim 1, wherein a 1 cm dimension of the hairpiece includesapproximately 700 to 800 fiber single-ply threads.
 13. The hairpieceaccording to claim 1, wherein another surface of the single-ply threadgroup includes a design.
 14. A method for creating designs on aplurality of fiber single-ply threads, said method comprising: aligninga plurality of fiber single-ply threads having a decolorized portion;grouping the plurality of fiber single-ply threads such that designs arecaptured on selected portions of the single ply-threads; creating afixing section to hold a portion of the plurality of fiber single-plythread groups; positioning transcription material on the plurality offiber single-ply threads; and heat pressing the transcription materialto the plurality of fiber single-ply threads to produce a design on theselected portions of the plurality of fiber single-ply threads.
 15. Themethod according to claim 14, further comprising attaching a connectingpart to the plurality of fiber single-ply threads, the connecting partbeing configured to attach and detach the plurality of fiber single-plythreads to an entity.
 16. The method according to claim 15, furthercomprising coating the fixing section with adhesives.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 14, wherein the heat pressing occurs forapproximately 1 to 4 minutes at a temperature approximately between 220°C. and 240° C.
 18. The method according to claim 14, wherein thetranscription material includes a first transcription portion having afirst image and a second transcription portion having a second image.19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising simultaneouslyheat pressing first and second transcription portions on front and rearsides of the plurality of fiber single-ply threads.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 14, wherein the grouping includes setting a 1 cmdimension of the hairpiece to include approximately 700 to 800 fibersingle-ply threads.